Marijuana Dispensaries Are Getting Face-Lifts To Blaze Past The Competition

Newport Beach-based Blum, a pot retail operator owned by Terra Tech Corp., is focused on just that — patient care and safety and the reversal of stigma in the industry. The company, which has plans to open its seventh store in San Leandro in Q2, uses design to educate customers about the products they are consuming. These stores resemble more of a private office, with waiting rooms that are separate from the bud bar and separate consultation rooms to chat with patients when needed. “We take more of an approach of lifestyle. Our ethos is premium quality cannabis with professional service, and we really hold true to that. We don’t have vending machines where you can come in, hit it and go. We want our staff to talk one-on-one with the patient or patrons, to truly have them understand what they’re consuming,” Terra Tech Director of Retail Operations Mikel Alvarez said. “Every element of our stores represents something about cannabis.” From the black wall tiles of the bud bar, which Alvarez said represents ash, to the copper accents that represent the amber of a pre-roll or a joint, every store is identical so that when visitors enter a Blum store, they recognize the branding instantly. “We look like a high-end jewelry store,” Alvarez said. “Everything is laid out in front of you in glass.”